One of the first riad hotels to open in the Medina, Le Farnatchi is a true boutique bolthole with 10 artfully designed suites. It’s set across seven traditional Medina mansions, combining Moroccan style and hospitality with top-notch facilities, including a fabulous spa in an adjoining riad.
Riad Farnatchi, close to the Marrakech Museum and the Ben Youssef Medersa, is well-positioned for exploring the souks and historical sites. Taxis stop at nearby Place Mokf, which is just a five-minute walk from the riad. Staff will come out to meet you when you arrive from the airport.
Owner James Wix has strived to create a home-from-home feel at Le Farnatchi and he’s more than succeeded, as the high number of repeat guests will attest. He’s responsible for the friendly and comfortable vibe of the riad and its baroque Moroccan style, which showcases the craftsmanship of local maalems (master craftsmen) and his own nice collection of Moroccan art and antiques.
The low ratio of bedrooms to public space also lends the house a soothing, spacious air after the hustle of the Medina. In the main patio, there’s a seven-metre pool fed by a splashing fountain, a large reception salon, a bar and an outdoor bhou (seating nook); while the second patio, which is planted with citrus, is flanked by a lounge and dining room.
Service is superb and the 20 staff are delightful and professional. There’s a helpful concierge service, which can sort out cabs, restaurant bookings, day trips and excursions, as well as room service and restaurant service. The reception salon is a stroke of genius as too often in riads there’s nowhere to sit and chat about plans or make payments.
Aside from the pool, there’s a barbecue on the roof terrace and a fantastic spa. The latter is ornately decorated with lace stucco work and offers two marble hammams and a range of very good manicures, pedicures, massages and facials with organic products from Nectarome and ila Spa. You’re also next to the very good Trou au Mur restaurant, which is part of the Farnatchi family.
Like the public spaces, Farnatchi’s suites are spacious and comfortable and sport a contemporary Moroccan style. All of them have large sitting rooms with a writing desk, fireplaces and either a balcony or a patio. Beds are king-sized and comfortable with mountains of feather pillows. Some are even canopied.
Bathrooms, meanwhile, offer a touch of pizzazz and are lined with intricate zellij tiles and furnished with domed showers or sunken tubs. Molton Brown toiletries are supplied along with cream djellabs (classic house robe), which you can take home with you. Minibars and tea or coffee facilities aren’t provided. Instead you can ring reception and they’ll bring it to your room, usually with some delicious Moroccan sweets or cookies.
Breakfast can be taken anywhere at any time and for once, if you opt to have it in your room, there’s a spacious sitting room or balcony where you can enjoy it. It consists of a classic spread of pancakes and pastries, plus eggs or omelettes.
Lunch and dinner are provided on request, with lunches tending towards subtleer soups, salads and brochettes, while dinner is a three-course affair. Expect classic Moroccan fare such as tangia, tagine or couscous. Fortunately, you’re also across the alley from James’ latest venture, Le Trou au Mur, which is one of the best restaurants in the old city.
There are two ground floor suites which are accessed via a single step. They are specifically adapted though.
This is quite a grown-up riad favoured by couples. That said, there aren’t any restrictions on children and three of the suites can accommodate extra beds. High chairs, cots and babysitters are available.
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